Image courtesy of Pavegen Systems Ltd. 2009

While some scientists are focusing their energy on testing solar panels and windmills, others are paving the path to incorporate sustainability into daily activities. According to Pavegen, up to 50,000 steps daily fall upon a busy street, prompting Director Laurence Kemball-Cook to design pavement slabs that collect kinetic energy and convert it into reusable energy.

These energy-generating slabs are available in a variety of colours and constructed from recycled rubber taken from old car tyres. Additionally, the slabs have a circular light feature that glows when energy is generated. Estimated to last up to five years, the rubber slabs contain enough energy to pop a bag of microwaveable popcorn. This energy is then either stored in the built-in lithium polymer batteries or transmitted to street lights, information displays and other electronic devices in close proximity.

Having recently been tested on the streets of East London, Pavegen hopes to power sustainable pavements across the world. The next time you hit the road, remember that the future of reusable energy could be right beneath your feet!

For more information on this product and other Pavegen innovations, visit www.pavegensystems.com